This dissertation focuses on the analysis of Tuan Guru leadership strategy in developing character education at Pondok Pesantren Hamzanwadi Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) Pancor and Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Qamarul Huda (YP2QH) Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Bagu, West Nusa Tenggara. This dissertation aims to understand and analyze the concepts, sources and types of values developed in character education; the reasons of Tuan Guru in developing character education, and leadership strategies of Tuan Guru in developing character education at pesantrens they lead.

Using a qualitative approach and multisite-study design, this dissertation resulted in several findings. First, the concept and values that are developed in character education are derived from the Qur’an, the hadith of the Prophet contained in the books of hadith, such as Bukhari and Muslim, and the books written by well-known muslim scholars (ulama), such as al-Ghazali and al- Zarnuji. The values of these characters have religious-vertical, spiritual and social dimensions. Second, the reasons that underline the thought of Tuan Guru in developing character education are religious, philosophical and empirical. Therefore, the views of Tuan Guru are holistic. Third, strategies used by Tuan Guru in developing character education include general strategies and specific strategies. General strategies include the integration of moral and character education in the curriculum in any educational unit and level. While specific strategies include specific guidance through routine activites of pesantrens, extra- curricular activities, and special rituals given by Tuan Guru.

Based on the analysis of the conceptual framework, theories and research findings, this dissertation resulted in the finding of a leadership model of Tuan Guru, that is “religious, rational, adaptive leadership.” The finding of this research enriches existing theories on the models or types of leadership that have been proposed by previous researchers and writers.